IRIA News

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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Pakistan on a two-day official visit starting on August 3, 2025, which both countries hailed as the beginning of a “new chapter” in their longstanding bilateral relationship.

The visit, which included meetings with top Pakistani leadership and the signing of over a dozen cooperation agreements, was widely framed as a strategic step toward closer economic and security integration amid shared regional concerns.

President Pezeshkian’s trip to Islamabad was only his second international visit since assuming office, following a previous visit to Azerbaijan. The visit’s timing, shortly after the Iran-Israel conflict and amid shifting regional dynamics, underscored Tehran’s intent to deepen alliances in South Asia.

During his meeting with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, the two leaders reaffirmed their intent to broaden cooperation across diverse fields and emphasized the importance of mutual support on regional and global challenges.

Despite some volatility in their relations, Iran and Pakistan appear to be recalibrating their strategic partnership based on mutual economic interests, shared security threats, and common geopolitical positions. The visit concluded with optimism on both sides, with officials calling it a “turning point” in bilateral relations.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei praised the visit for its wide-reaching outcomes. “The President’s visit to Pakistan was of great significance,” he said during a weekly briefing, emphasizing that the discussions had opened a path for future collaboration.

Baghaei confirmed that Iran and Pakistan had agreed to pursue a free trade agreement, although he noted that “details of the accord still need to be discussed.” He further underlined the symbolic importance of the visit by recalling that Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan upon its independence, describing the relationship as one built on “friendly and brotherly ties” that have stood the test of time.

Trade, energy, and regional connectivity

A major highlight of the visit was the agreement between the two sides to raise their bilateral trade volume from the current $3 billion to $10 billion. Speaking at a joint press conference in Islamabad, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated, “We have set a target of $10 billion in trade and hope to achieve it as soon as possible.”

President Pezeshkian echoed the sentiment, expressing confidence in the economic potential of both countries. “If we cooperate in all dimensions and fields, this goal is easily achievable in a short time,” he noted.

The two sides signed 12 cooperation documents across sectors such as energy, customs, tourism, climate change, and information technology. Additional agreements were inked in areas of legal cooperation and cultural exchange.

Focus on border security and terrorism

Considering past border tensions, particularly the tit-for-tat missile strikes in January 2024, both nations placed renewed emphasis on border management and counterterrorism cooperation. President Pezeshkian referred to militant groups operating in border regions as a “common threat” and stressed the need for coordinated efforts to maintain stability.

Prime Minister Sharif, addressing the same issue, stated, “We have to protect our borders and take strict steps against terrorism to open the roads to peace and development in the region.”

President of #Iran Dr. Pezeshkian and PM of #Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif held delegation level talks in Islamabad

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir #COAS and Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik, National Security Adviser & DG ISI were part of the Pak 🇵🇰delegation#DGISI #isi #ISPR pic.twitter.com/jCdoDjBumz

— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) August 3, 2025

The leaders reiterated their commitment to eliminating terrorism from both sides of the border, pledging joint security efforts to prevent further escalation of violence.

Iranian President Pezeshkian also met with Pakistan’s Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik. The Pakistani delegation also included National Security Adviser and Director General ISI.

Shared stance on Gaza and Israeli actions

Another major theme of the visit was strong alignment between Tehran and Islamabad on the ongoing war in Gaza. In a joint statement, both sides called for an immediate ceasefire and condemned what they described as Israel’s “expansionist agenda.”

“No more words, but swift action is required to stop the killing of newborns, children, and women in Gaza,” Sharif said, calling the situation a “genocide” and urging the global community to intervene.

President Pezeshkian echoed this position, accusing Israel of “destabilizing the region” through its actions in Lebanon, Syria, and now Gaza. He thanked Pakistan for its vocal support during Iran’s 12-day conflict with Israel in June.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry also emphasized Pakistan’s longstanding denunciation of the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, calling it a “principled stance” that reflects an awareness of “Zionist expansionism.”

Iran’s nuclear program and Western criticism

Baghaei also responded to recent statements by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who questioned the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program. “He is in no position to cast such doubt,” Baghaei asserted, adding that the International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly verified that Iran’s program remains within peaceful bounds.

He said the remarks by the UK, France, and Germany reflect a broader loss of commitment to the 2015 nuclear agreement and to the principles of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, which affirms Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear enrichment.

On this note, Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif reiterated Islamabad’s support for Iran’s nuclear program, provided it remains for peaceful purposes and complies with international frameworks. “Pakistan stands with Iran’s principled stand in this regard,” he said.

Trilateral regional cooperation with Turkey

Another dimension of the visit was the renewed focus on tripartite cooperation among Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey. Baghaei referenced the historic Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD) formed in the 1960s, which later evolved into the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).

He noted that the three countries share “historical and institutional ties” and that while cooperation had traditionally centered around economics, there was room to expand into political, cultural, and security arenas.

Baghaei addressed the prospects of renewed talks with the United States, stating that any future negotiations would have to acknowledge Iran’s demand for compensation. This includes damages from U.S. military strikes during the June conflict with Israel and broader support for Tel Aviv’s military operations.

“Future talks, if they ever happen, would certainly differ from those before June 13,” Baghaei said, citing precedents from international law, including past ICJ rulings, to support Iran’s claims for redress.

He also condemned the latest U.S. sanctions targeting Iranian individuals and shipping companies, calling them “illegal” and “disruptive to global trade,” but added that Iran had adapted to such measures and would continue to safeguard its economy.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and the President of Iran H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian address a joint press stakeout. pic.twitter.com/FsVO21GcRo

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) August 3, 2025